Cost of Living in Washington DC

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Washington DC is among the most expensive destinations in the USA, outranked only by a handful of cities. It is therefore important that expats moving to Washington negotiate a suitable employment package to offset their expenses. Here are some of the major costs expats can expect to encounter while living in Washington DC.

Cost of accommodation in Washington DC

Accommodation costs in Washington are generally quite high. The average one-bedroom apartment will cost upwards of USD 2,000 per month. However, as the city is home to lots of young professionals and university students, there are also a number of cheaper accommodation options such as studio apartments and house shares on offer.

Cost of transport in Washington DC

Luckily, there isn’t much need for a car in Washington, especially if living close to the city centre. Most expats opt not to have a car and use public transport or cycle to work instead. The cost of using public transport is based on the number of zones travelled, so those travelling long distances will find themselves shelling out a fair amount to do so. To save on travel costs, it's a good idea to purchase a weekly or monthly travel card.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Washington DC

There are lots of opportunities to enjoy nightlife, entertainment and eating out in Washington but prices are high and these leisure expenses do add up over time. However, for those on a budget or looking to save their hard-earned dollars, there are lots of free cultural attractions available in Washington which can really enhance the quality of one's experience without breaking the bank.

Cost of education in Washington DC

Expats relocating to Washington with children will also need to factor in the cost of schooling. While expat children are eligible to attend public schools within zone boundaries, many expat parents choose to send their children to a private or international school. Fees at these schools can be extremely high, so expat parents would be wise to double check that their budget can accommodate this cost.